In Wonderstruck, I share how I discovered and fell head over heels for a time of year in the church calendar known as Lent.
Originally, Lent was designed as a time of preparation and worship for the believer. The forty days before Easter were set aside for penitence, prayer, and self-denial.
The number forty has repetitive significance in the Bible.
It rained for 40 days when Noah was on the ark (Genesis 7:17). Moses spent 40 days on Mt. Sinai (Exodus 24:18). The Israelites spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness before entering the Promised Land (Numbers 14:33). Elijah spent 40 days walking to Mt. Horeb (1 Kings 19:8). Jesus fasted for 40 days and was tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:1-2). Ever notice that God has a track-record of displaying His mighty wonders in increments of forty?
Beginning on Ash Wednesday (which falls on February 13nd, this year), many people choose to give something up for 40 days in this season of preparation.
But as I suggest in Wonderstruck, maybe the question we need to ask as we enter Lent isn’t, “What are you giving up for Lent?” as much as “What do you want to lay hold of during Lent?” [Tweet this]
The wonders of God are waiting for you during Lent. This season is laced with opportunity that will stir your hunger to know God more. [Tweet this]
How will you lay hold of the wonders of Lent?
Beginning on February 13, we have the opportunity to spend 40 days passionately pursuing God. You. Me. Everyone we can bring along for the joyous journey.
How will you choose to seek God during this time?
What expressions will your desire for God take?
What do you want to lay hold of in greater measure through Lent?
Tomorrow I’ll share what I’ve been prayerfully considering for this season.
But today, I’m challenging you, sweet you, to take some time today to ask God what He’s calling you toward. In past years, I’ve given up contempt, committed to pray three-word-prayers, and more.
What will you do for Lent 2013?
Good morning,
I will be joining you in the 40 day read of the bible!! I want to gain a deeper intimate relationship with MY FATHER!
Thank you for the outline to help in doing this, I am so excited and can’t wait to be even more Wonderstruck!! =) =)
Tina
I am looking forward to joining the 40 days of reading through the Bible. I realize this shall.be a challenge, but also feel it something God is calling me to this season.
Tina and Nancy, I am so thrilled you will be joining us on this journey!
Thank you for your wonderful posts! I enjoy them each day. As Lent approaches, I too try to find what I can take hold of in my life, but believe that the true meaning if Lent is self denial as you mentioned, and that should never be tossed aside. Self denial brings us much closer to Jesus than this culture wants to accept!
Wanda, praying that God directs and shows what he wants for you to focus on in this upcoming season of Lent!
Margaret,
We will be leading our church through the 40 days with the reading plan you have outlined, and our hearts will be tuned to the Wonder of who God is.
Thank you for your creativity and obedience.
And say hi to Leif for me:)
Bob, praying for your church and am so thrilled you are joining us for this 40 day reading!
I just finished Wonderstruck on my flight back from out west (LOVED IT), and I am planning to do the 30 Days of Wonder over Lent! Even though it’s 30 days, I’m pretty sure I can find another 10 things to be in awe of because God is just that AMAZING! 🙂
Hannah, thrilled you enjoyed Wonderstruck! And great idea to do the 30 Days of Wonder over Lent! Can’t wait to hear how it goes!
Where does it talk about the 40day reading plan? I totally missed that. Excited to consider your questions.
yeah Janel… I thought the same thing, I missed the reading plan?
Janel and Katie, check out the blog from February 6th. There is a link at the bottom!
http://margaretfeinberg.com/free-download-to-unlock-the-wonder-of-scripture-this-lent-and-a-bible-giveaway/
thank you, i have now found and downloaded it.
I am so bless I met you at CPC I carry my bag everyday with me ,it means a lot to me .
I will join in the 40 days of reading the Bible .
I love The Wonder Of Lent
Patsy, thrilled you are joining us!
I am more excited about Lent this year than last year! I started reading the passages already!
I love the practice of the 40 days reading the Bible and I’m also considering praying the offices. So many ways to refocus.
Right here is the perfect website for anybody who
wishes to find out about this topic. You understand a whole lot its almost tough
to argue with you (not that I really would want to…HaHa).
You definitely put a fresh spin on a topic that has been written about for decades.
Wonderful stuff, just excellent!
Feel free to surf to my homepage … nba
Dear Mam,
I am Vanaja Augustine, a Hindu by birth and in Jan 25th me and my daughter got baptized and received first communion. we are new to the church procedures, please do help me to be with Jesus and be more faithful to Him. For this Lent days i want to be with you to pray. i am from Tamilnadu, South India. Do guide me.